Georgia eager to carve out new legacy vs. Alabama

ATLANTA — The national championship could be decided with a dream matchup between two of the nation's most storied programs: Notre Dame vs. Alabama.

Of course, Georgia might have something to say about that.

The third-ranked Bulldogs are eager to wake up some echoes of their own.

Coach Mark Richt's team takes on No. 2 Alabama in a Southeastern Conference title game that essentially serves as a national semifinal. The winner of Saturday's contest at the Georgia Dome likely claims a spot against top-ranked Notre Dame for the BCS title on Jan. 7.

While Alabama (11-1) is a touchdown favorite to remain on course for its third crown in four years, Georgia (11-1) is eager to carve out a legacy beyond the great teams of the early 1980s led by Herschel Walker.